Fonds consists of textual, visual and sound materials pertaining to Norman Luxton, Eleanor Luxton and their family members and friends (including Georgina Luxton, Norman's parents and siblings, and members of the Ross, Graham and McDougall families). Includes correspondence, personal and profession…
ca.32.1 m of textual records (29.3 m textual records, 47 scrapbooks) -- ca.7290 photographs (ca.5300 b&w and col. prints, ca.1915 negatives, 75 transparencies, 2 tintypes) -- 17 albums -- ca.74 cm sound recordings (29 CDs, 45 audio cassettes, 17 R120 DAT tapes, 1 VHS, 8 voicewriter discs)
History / Biographical
The Norman Luxton family was a prominent family in Banff, Alberta, Canada from 1904 until 1962. Daughter Eleanor Luxton maintained the family's position in the town until her death in 1995.
Publisher and businessman Norman K. Luxton, 1876-1962, was the son of Winnipeg Free Press co-founder William Luxton. After working for the Winnipeg Free Press, Norman Luxton travelled, then joined the Calgary Herald for eight years. In 1901, he journeyed 10,000 miles on the Pacific in the dug-out canoe Tilikum. After becoming ill, Luxton abandoned the trip in Fiji and came to Banff to recuperate. The around-the-world trip was subsequently completed by his sailing partner, Capt. John Voss.
Luxton bought Banff's Crag and Canyon newspaper in 1902 and remained as publisher until 1951. Also in 1902, he established the Sign of the Goat Curio store which specialized in Stoney Indian handicrafts and taxidermy specimens. Other significant Luxton businesses were the King Edward Hotel and Livery, Luxton Bros. insurance (with brother Louis Luxton) and the Lux Block, which included a hotel, the Lux Theatre and retail stores.
In 1904, Norman Luxton married Georgina (Georgie) Elizabeth McDougall, 1870-1965, of the pioneer missionary McDougall family of Morley, Alberta. In addition to her McDougall connections, Georgie Luxton was related by marriage to Senator George Ross. Norman and Georgie Luxton had one child, Eleanor Georgina, born in Banff in 1908.
The Luxtons were important Banff "boosters" with involvement in numerous local organizations and events. Norman Luxton managed the Banff Indian Days from 1909 to 1950, was a founder of Banff Winter Carnival and was involved with native events at the Calgary Stampede for 25 years. In 1953, Norman established a museum to house his native artifacts. The Luxton Museum was built in co-operation with Eric Harvie of the Glenbow Foundation of Calgary. After Luxton's death, the museum continued to be managed by the Glenbow until 1992.
Eleanor Luxton, 1908-1995, was a writer, historian, researcher, engineer, teacher and business woman. After graduating from high school in Banff in 1926, she attended the University of Alberta from 1926 until 1939, receiving degrees in history (BA '30, MA'33), a Diploma in Education (1931) and subsequent education, biology and natural history courses during the summers.
Between 1937 and 1956, Eleanor received further degrees and certificates from studies at Garbutt Business College (Calgary), St. Stephen's College (Edmonton), Ottawa Technical High School, Havergal Ladies College (Ontario), St. George Williams College (Montreal), McGill University (Montreal) and the Banff School of Fine Arts. Subjects studied included office practices, shorthand, machine draughting, English, civil engineering (BSc '46), German, broadcast writing, management, commerce, accounting and commercial law.
Eleanor Luxton's extensive education overlapped and preceded a long and varied professional career. Her teaching career extended from high school teacher in Alberta (Banff and Sexsmith), 1933-1940, to university lecturer in Montreal in the 1950s. During the 1940s, she worked in locomotive design for the CPR in Montreal. Beginning in 1956 and continuing until 1965, when she returned to Banff to care for her mother, Eleanor worked throughout southern Alberta as a field researcher for Calgary's Glenbow Foundation. From 1965 until her death in 1995, Eleanor remained in Banff in her family home and pursued an active career in writing and research.
Scope & Content
Fonds consists of textual, visual and sound materials pertaining to Norman Luxton, Eleanor Luxton and their family members and friends (including Georgina Luxton, Norman's parents and siblings, and members of the Ross, Graham and McDougall families). Includes correspondence, personal and professional records, financial documents, organization and volunteer records, business and property records, scrapbooks and albums, research materials, candid and professional portraits, various collected materials, and other related content.
Notes
Fonds consists of three sous-fonds:
I. Norman Luxton sous-fonds, [ca.1880]-1962, ca. 7.5 m. of textual records and photographs in four series: A. Correspondence, B. Business, financial and legal, C. Personal, D. Personal and professional, E. Collected materials.
II. Eleanor Luxton sous-fonds, [ca.1890]-1995, ca. 15 m. of textual records, sound recordings and photographs in six series: A. Correspondence, B. Professional, C. Personal, D. Business, financial and legal, E. Travel and events, F. Collected materials.
III. Luxton family sous-fonds, 1836-1972, ca.6.5 m. of textual records and photographs in four series: A. Norman Luxton family series, [ca.1900-ca.1970]; B. Georgina Luxton series, [ca.1890]-1967; C. Related family series, [ca.1890]-1972; D. Other material series, 1836-1970; E. Luxton family home records [1996].
File consists of a scrapbook containing newspaper articles relating to Mr. George H. Ross, Liberal Candidate East Calgary Constituency, 1940 and articles relating to the Glenbow Museum. Includes mainly newspaper articles and advertisement clippings, anouncements for Ross speaking engagements, colle…
File consists of a scrapbook containing newspaper articles relating to Mr. George H. Ross, Liberal Candidate East Calgary Constituency, 1940 and articles relating to the Glenbow Museum. Includes mainly newspaper articles and advertisement clippings, anouncements for Ross speaking engagements, collections and artifacts in the Glenbow, posters announcing various political events, and letters pertaining to the Calgary East Federal Liberal Committee Rooms.
File consists of a scrapbook consisting of news-clippings, correspondence from the Post Office Department of Canada, pasted-in calendar prints with accompanying calendar for the year 1950, 1949 calendar, pasted-in prints of photographs appearing in Luxton archival collections - various sub-series; …
5 cm of textual records (71 pages ; 30.5 x 38.5 cm)
History / Biographical
See fonds level description.
Scope & Content
File consists of a scrapbook consisting of news-clippings, correspondence from the Post Office Department of Canada, pasted-in calendar prints with accompanying calendar for the year 1950, 1949 calendar, pasted-in prints of photographs appearing in Luxton archival collections - various sub-series; articles about the Duke of Windsor, Prince Edward, and his youth and adulthood; b&w prints of photographs of the Royal couple visiting an Indian Camp at Fort William; coverage of Queen Elizabeth's and Prince Phillip's wedding in The Tatler and Bystander and The Picture Post publications.
File consists of a scrapbook containing newspaper articles, correspondence, and ephemera relating to Dr. George H. Ross, Liberal Candidate East Calgary Constituency, 1940 ; Canada and the War, 1940 ; Mackenzie King policies.
Includes newspaper clippings, telegrams, typed and hand written letters, …
5.5 cm of textual records (43 pages ; 27.5 x 31 cm)
History / Biographical
See fonds level description.
Scope & Content
File consists of a scrapbook containing newspaper articles, correspondence, and ephemera relating to Dr. George H. Ross, Liberal Candidate East Calgary Constituency, 1940 ; Canada and the War, 1940 ; Mackenzie King policies.
Includes newspaper clippings, telegrams, typed and hand written letters, and minutes for the Agricultural Supplies Committee.
File consists of a scrapbook containing a newspaper article about the American Government effort to combat Nazi spies. Includes newspaper clippings of individuals who aided the breaking of spy codes and clippings of individuals jailed for being spys.
File consists of a scrapbook containing a newspaper article about the American Government effort to combat Nazi spies. Includes newspaper clippings of individuals who aided the breaking of spy codes and clippings of individuals jailed for being spys.
File consists of photographs pertaining to businesses, tourist attractions and natural views in and around Banff. Includes images of backcountry camps in Banff National Park; the Bow River Boat House; Beaver Lodge and Bampton Cottage [both located on Beaver Street in Banff]; fires at Breton Hall Ho…
50 photographs ; b&w prints ; 25 x 20.5 cm or smaller
Scope & Content
File consists of photographs pertaining to businesses, tourist attractions and natural views in and around Banff. Includes images of backcountry camps in Banff National Park; the Bow River Boat House; Beaver Lodge and Bampton Cottage [both located on Beaver Street in Banff]; fires at Breton Hall Hotel and Banff Springs Hotel; the Park Museum and Information Bureau; early views of Banff Springs Hotel [1904]; Vermillion River Bungalow Camp and the Lake Louise Chalet; Paddy J. Nolan’s home [built by Norman Luxton]; a postcard print titled “Starved Bachelors Retreat Banff Alberta"; swimming at the Cave and Basin[?] and Banff Upper Hot Springs; the Crag and Canyon office [ca.1905]; Skoki Lodge; and the office of photographers Wilson and Fear [1896-1898].
Notes
Photographs LUX/I/D6c/PA-181 and 182 [depicting Wilson and Fear storefront] are copies of the same image but annotated with different dates [ca.1896 and ca.1898]. Based on context and dating of related images in Whyte Museum archives, actual image date may be closer to [ca.1894].
Material Details
LUX/I/D6c/PA-173 has three red sun-shaped stickers attached to back left corner, red ribbon attached to back right corner
File consists of b&w photograph negatives of unidentified people interacting with black bears in Banff, exteriors of the Indian Trading Post, view from Mount Norquay Lookout, a canyon, and winter scenes.
14 photographs: b&w negatives; 9.5 x 6 cm or smaller
Scope & Content
File consists of b&w photograph negatives of unidentified people interacting with black bears in Banff, exteriors of the Indian Trading Post, view from Mount Norquay Lookout, a canyon, and winter scenes.
File consists of b&w photograph negatives of Banff Avenue featuring Lux theatre, Lux Block, King Edward Hotel, Dominion Cafe (ca. 1920), Norman Luxton and dog along Spray River, Mt. Norquay Ski Area (1940s), Lux Block featuring H.A. Gourley Druggist, King Edward Garden (1920s)
9 photographs: b&w negatives ; 18 x 13.2 cm or smaller
Scope & Content
File consists of b&w photograph negatives of Banff Avenue featuring Lux theatre, Lux Block, King Edward Hotel, Dominion Cafe (ca. 1920), Norman Luxton and dog along Spray River, Mt. Norquay Ski Area (1940s), Lux Block featuring H.A. Gourley Druggist, King Edward Garden (1920s)
File consists of b&w photograph negatives pertaining to the Banff Gun Club and trap shooting. Photographs depict Banff, Lake Louise, mountain sheep, and an unidentified woman standing in a canyon.
File consists of b&w photograph negatives pertaining to the Banff Gun Club and trap shooting. Photographs depict Banff, Lake Louise, mountain sheep, and an unidentified woman standing in a canyon.
File consists of 24 b&w negative photographs pertaining to Banff Indian Days celebrations in Banff [n.d.]. Includes images of decorated teepees on display in Banff, unidentified Indigenous people on horseback, and a musical performance.
File consists of 24 b&w negative photographs pertaining to Banff Indian Days celebrations in Banff [n.d.]. Includes images of decorated teepees on display in Banff, unidentified Indigenous people on horseback, and a musical performance.
Notes
Negatives in file are accompanied by three original photograph order receipts and envelopes from George Noble's photography company in Banff
Date range is estimate provided by Processing Archivist
File consists of 43 photographs pertaining to Banff Indian Days events. Includes images of ceremonies and events, teepees on display and Stoney Nakoda individuals in traditional regalia.
43 photographs (42 b&w prints ; 25 x 20 cm or smaller -- 1 b&w negative)
Scope & Content
File consists of 43 photographs pertaining to Banff Indian Days events. Includes images of ceremonies and events, teepees on display and Stoney Nakoda individuals in traditional regalia.
Notes
Negative photograph is stored in mylar, in folder with prints. File also contains one negative duplicate which is not included in numbering
File consists of various documents including entry tickets, advertisements, event programs, newspaper articles and other documents pertaining to Banff Indian Days celebrations in Banff between 1910 and 1973 [some items not dated].
2 cm of textual records ; 22.5 x 30.5 cm or smaller
Scope & Content
File consists of various documents including entry tickets, advertisements, event programs, newspaper articles and other documents pertaining to Banff Indian Days celebrations in Banff between 1910 and 1973 [some items not dated].
Notes
File contains numerous duplicates. Additional duplicates of items with more than two copies have been moved to a separate box or potential de-accession.
Items have been arranged in file by date [if known].
Items 20, 23, and 39 contain the photo LUX / I / D3a / NA-12, identified in a copy of item 39 as "Tom Kakitts" [Tom Kaquitts].
File consists of promotional materials in the form of brochures and a flyer for Banff Indian Days. Some brochures are annotated [possibly containing edits before being published]. Contains duplicates of some items.
1 cm of textual records : 12 items ; 15.6 x 24.0 cm or smaller
Scope & Content
File consists of promotional materials in the form of brochures and a flyer for Banff Indian Days. Some brochures are annotated [possibly containing edits before being published]. Contains duplicates of some items.
Notes
Copies of items may be found in LUX / II / F1 / 20. One flyer and two brochures with annotations have been digitized as other materials have been digitized and may found in LUX / II / F1 / 20.
Reference copies of Banff Indian Days posters were included in this file, however they were stored with additional Banff Indian Day posters and may now be found at LUX / I / D3. The associated items are LUX / I / D3 / 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14
Scrapbook consists of newspaper clippings related to Banff Indian Days and the Calgary Stampede; various other newspaper clippings related to local and international news, including the opening of a new school in Morley and the Luxton Museum [now the Buffalo Nations Museum] in Banff, a fire at Jasp…
Scrapbook consists of newspaper clippings related to Banff Indian Days and the Calgary Stampede; various other newspaper clippings related to local and international news, including the opening of a new school in Morley and the Luxton Museum [now the Buffalo Nations Museum] in Banff, a fire at Jasper Park Lodge, and Canadian and international politics.
File consists of photographs depicting unidentified Stoney Nakoda[?] people in traditional regalia, posing on horseback and standing; and interior views of teepees [part of Banff Indian Days celebrations?]
File consists of photographs depicting unidentified Stoney Nakoda[?] people in traditional regalia, posing on horseback and standing; and interior views of teepees [part of Banff Indian Days celebrations?]
File consists of records pertaining to operations, including: pass, patron and subscription lists; letters, reports and notes; newspaper clipping; draft letter to the Board of Trade, outlines Luxton's suggestions for Indian Days.
2 cm of textual records : 16 texts ; 21.3cm x 35.3cm or smaller
Scope & Content
File consists of records pertaining to operations, including: pass, patron and subscription lists; letters, reports and notes; newspaper clipping; draft letter to the Board of Trade, outlines Luxton's suggestions for Indian Days.
Notes
Original drawing in newspaper clipping LUX / I / D3a / 4 / 9 may be found as LUX / I / D3 / 02
File consists of Banff Indian Days negatives, photographs, and photograph postcards depicting events, including the Duke of Connaught and Princess Patricia at the Banff Springs Hotel courtyard. Subjects include unidentified Indigenous families, Rev. John McDougall, Lt. Governor R.G. Brett Photograp…
Date Range
ca. 1910
1910-1912
1916
1926
1953
Reference Code
LUX / I / D3a / 13 / NA - 01 to NA - 17
LUX / I / D3a / 13 / PA - 01 to PA - 93
Photographs taken and published by G. & W. Fear, Philip Godsell, Byron Harmon, and some attributed to M. Forsyth
Date Range
ca. 1910
1910-1912
1916
1926
1953
Physical Description
110 photographs : 1 b&w negatives ; 15.5 x 19.5 cm or smaller : 93 b&w prints ; 20 x 13 cm or smaller
Scope & Content
File consists of Banff Indian Days negatives, photographs, and photograph postcards depicting events, including the Duke of Connaught and Princess Patricia at the Banff Springs Hotel courtyard. Subjects include unidentified Indigenous families, Rev. John McDougall, Lt. Governor R.G. Brett Photographs taken and published by G. & W. Fear, Philip Godsell, Byron Harmon, and some attributed to M. Forsyth.
Notes
NA-01 to NA-09 have associated copy print and duplicate postcard prints. PA-22 and PA-54 have duplicate copies. NA-10 to NA-17 have a copy and duplicate print. Includes prints labelled [Peter Wesley?].
NA-12 is printed in brochures LUX / II / F1 / 20 / 20, 23, and 39. On a copy of LUX / II / F1 / 20 / 39 is a pen annotation under the photo "Tom Kakitts" [Tom Kaquitts]
File consists of Banff Indian Days negatives and photographs depicting parades, trail rides, interior of the Sign of the Goat Curio Shop, opera rehearsal at the ballroom at the Banff Springs Hotel and field dressing of bison. Subjects include Job Stevens and his wife, unidentified Indigenous famili…
Date Range
1902
ca.1913
1915-1918
1921
ca.1925
1926-1927
ca.1930-1940
ca.1950-1960
Reference Code
LUX / I / D3a / 14 / NA - 01 to NA - 70
LUX / I / D3a / 14 / PA - 01 to PA - 49
Some photographs produced by F. Gully and Kilroy Harris
Date Range
1902
ca.1913
1915-1918
1921
ca.1925
1926-1927
ca.1930-1940
ca.1950-1960
Physical Description
119 photographs : 70 b&w negatives ; 15.5 x 19.5 cm or smaller : 49 b&w prints ; 25.2 x 20.8 cm or smaller
Scope & Content
File consists of Banff Indian Days negatives and photographs depicting parades, trail rides, interior of the Sign of the Goat Curio Shop, opera rehearsal at the ballroom at the Banff Springs Hotel and field dressing of bison. Subjects include Job Stevens and his wife, unidentified Indigenous families and individuals, and Norman Luxton. Photographs taken by F. Gully, Kilroy Harris, and potentially Carl Rungus.
Notes
George Noble film processing slip potentionally associated with NA-14 and NA-15. Stamped and annotations made by photographer or image compilers.